FAQs

Helpful FAQs to help you with your decision-making

Presidential Women’s Center has been South Florida’s premier abortion clinic for over 33 years. Exceptional patient care is our priority.

You will find that our staff will go above and beyond expectations to ensure your experience with us is excellent. Your appointment includes an informative session with an experienced staff member to make certain all your questions are answered and that we are meeting your needs. In addition to our outstanding patient care, our beautiful facility is state-of-the-art.

Our current Center is a stand-alone building with private parking and comfortable, well-appointed waiting areas. Our staff of highly trained Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician’s Assistants, Registered Nurses, a Psychologist and counselors pride themselves by serving you in a respectful, dignified and compassionate manner.

Do you offer private appointments?

For many reasons, some women choose to have a more private (enhanced privacy) abortion appointment at our Center. We offer several options for private appointments. Click here for more information.

When can a pregnancy be terminated?

For the abortion pill, you must be between 5 and 10 weeks (70 days) from your last normal menstrual period. For the surgical abortion procedure, you must be between 5 and 24 weeks from your last normal menstrual period.

Will I experience discomfort?

This is the most common question asked by patients. For the surgical procedure, an I.V. twilight sedation is administered to relax the patient, making the procedure virtually painless. For the abortion pill, it is common to experience cramping, but pain medicine is prescribed to make the process more comfortable. Your safety and comfort is our utmost priority.

How will I feel after the procedure?

After the procedure you may experience cramping, which can range from mild to moderate, occasionally lasting through the following 2 weeks. You may have vaginal bleeding after the surgery. Bleeding after the procedure is different for each woman. It can be very similar to a period. The bleeding may continue on and off for up to 3 weeks after the procedure. Some women have no bleeding at all.

Is the procedure SAFE?

When performed by an experienced Physician, abortion is a very safe medical procedure. At Presidential Women’s Center our Board Certified OB/GYN’s perform the procedure. According to the National Abortion Federation, less than 0.5% of women experience major complications from a surgical abortion, which makes abortion 8-10 times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term. It is also the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available. Both abortion by pill and surgical termination methods are very safe.

Will having an abortion have any effect on future pregnancies?

This is a very important question to ask. There is no evidence that having an abortion under safe and legal circumstances has any effect on future pregnancies. The possible risks involved with abortion surgery are very minimal.

Can I get birth control from Presidential Women’s Center?

Yes. We offer birth control to our patients immediately after the pregnancy termination. We will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method. We can offer a prescription for pill or insert an IUD at the time your abortion procedure. Click here to learn more about our birth control options. An added benefit of starting birth control pills is to regulate your period after the procedure.

How soon can I return to work or school after having an abortion?

Most women return to work or school the day after the procedure. Please discuss with a staff member if you have a job that requires physical labor or heavy lifting, so that we can provide you with a doctor’s note, if you so desire.

Can a friend or family member be with me?

We encourage you to have someone with you. They are welcome to stay with you in the waiting areas. If you choose to have twilight sedation during the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. If you prefer, he or she can join you during your information session with our staff. We ask that you only bring one person with you. However, if you are unable to bring someone with you, local sedation can be administered during the procedure if you are 12 weeks or less from you last normal menstrual period and you can drive yourself home.

When can I eat?

You should eat as soon as you leave our Center. We recommend having a carbonated beverage and a light meal. Prior to your procedure, it is important that you arrive at our Center with an empty stomach. When you set up your appointment, we will provide eating instructions.

Will someone be available when your Center is CLOSED if I have a problem?

Yes. In case of an emergency, our phones are answered 24-hours per day. If you reach us after-hours, you will be assisted by an operator, who will page one of our medical staff. Your call will be returned immediately. If you are not experiencing an emergency, we are at the office six days a week, and we encourage you to call with any questions. CALL 561-686-3859 or 800-273-3047

Do I need to take medications after the abortion?

Yes, there are three prescriptions to be taken after the procedure. The prescriptions are: an antibiotic to prevent infection, a medication that will help your uterus contract and decrease bleeding, and a third medicine to decrease cramping.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes. We offer this procedure on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Often we also have Wednesday afternoon appointments for the abortion pill. For your convenience, phone counselors are on hand Monday through Saturday to answer your questions and schedule appointments. Click here for contact information. We also have an after hours appointment line which is available in the evening and on Sundays. Simply click here to request that we contact you by phone or email.

Can I have a Tubal Ligation at the same time as my abortion?

Yes. As long as the pregnancy measures less than 12 weeks from your last normal menstrual period, you may have a tubal ligation at the same time as the abortion procedure . When you call our office for your appointment, please indicate that you are interested in tubal ligation so that we can set up the proper appointment.